Deciding NASCAR’s 2023 Champion: Briscoe, Byron, Hamlin, or Larson?

November 2, 2025

NASCAR Championship Showdown: Hamlin, Briscoe, Byron and Larson Vie for the Cup

The NASCAR Cup Series Championship race is scheduled for Sunday at phoenix Raceway.

Phoenix, Arizona – The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the Nascar Cup Series season this Sunday as four elite drivers converge at Phoenix Raceway to battle for the series’ ultimate prize. denny Hamlin, chase Briscoe, William Byron and Kyle Larson are the drivers poised for the Championship. The competition promises a high-stakes race, set against the backdrop of a season marked by both on-track achievements and off-track legal battles.

The Championship Four: A profile of the Contenders

This year’s Championship 4 showcases a unique blend of experience and emerging talent. Unlike past seasons plagued by debate over competitor merit, this group has consistently demonstrated championship-caliber performance throughout the 77th Nascar season.

Denny Hamlin: The Veteran Challenger

At 44 years old, Denny Hamlin enters the race with 60 career wins and a renewed sense of purpose. This season marks his 19th playoff appearance.He has overcome challenges including a crew chief change and contract uncertainty, finding success with Joe Gibbs Racing. Hamlin also faces a separate legal battle concerning antitrust claims against the sport.

Chase Briscoe: The Rising Star

Chase Briscoe, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, has emerged as a serious contender, building on a reputation cultivated as his early career. His journey showcases a determination to compete at the highest level, and he approaches the race with a perspective that prioritizes personal values over championship glory.

William Byron: The Regular Season Champion

William Byron, securing the regular season championship, enters the final race with a sense of urgency. He aims to convert his consistent performance into a first Cup Series title. Byron,partnered with Hendrick Motorsports,feels prepared to capitalize on past experiences and secure his championship.

Kyle Larson: The Experienced Champion

Kyle Larson, the 2021 Cup Series Champion, brings a wealth of experience and confidence to the Phoenix race. His team’s late qualification for the Championship 4 adds a compelling narrative to his pursuit of a second title. He acknowledges the strength of his competitors but expresses belief in his team’s capability.

Key Stats and Championship History

Driver	Wins (2025)	Playoff Appearances	Best Championship Finish
Denny Hamlin	6	19	2nd (2010)
Chase Briscoe	3	3	9th (2022)
William Byron	3	7	3rd (2023, 2024)
Kyle Larson	3	9	1st (2021)

Did You Know? Denny Hamlin and team owner Michael Jordan are currently involved in an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, adding an unprecedented layer of complexity to Hamlin’s championship bid.

Looking Ahead: Future of the Championship Format

Discussions surrounding possible changes to the championship format have gained momentum. Mark Martin’s advocacy for a customary 36-race season contrasts with arguments for maintaining the current playoff system. The ongoing debate underscores the need to balance tradition with the desire for increased excitement and competitive balance. NASCAR recently announced a rotation of championship locations, beginning in 2026, signifying a move toward evolving the championship experience.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Hamlin’s performance; his experience and track record at phoenix Raceway make him a formidable contender.

The Evolution of NASCAR’s Championship Format

The Nascar Cup Series championship format has evolved over the decades, reflecting the sport’s growth and changing priorities. From a points-based system to the current playoff model, each iteration has aimed to enhance the excitement and competitiveness of the championship race. This year’s competition takes place as the sport continues to adapt to a evolving fan base.

Frequently Asked Questions About the NASCAR Championship

• What is the NASCAR championship 4?

  The Championship 4 is the final four drivers competing for the NASCAR Cup Series championship.

• How are the Championship 4 drivers determined?

  The drivers are determined through a series of playoff races, with points awarded based on performance.

• What makes this year’s Championship 4 unique?

  This year’s group represents consistency in performance.

• What is Denny Hamlin’s legal battle about?

  Denny Hamlin is involved in an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, alleging unfair practices.

• Will NASCAR change its championship format?

  Discussions are ongoing about potential changes to the championship format to enhance competition and excitement.

The NASCAR Cup Series Championship race is poised to be a captivating event,showcasing the talent,determination,and drama that define this iconic American sport. What do you think will be the deciding factor in this weekend’s race? And how will the evolving championship format impact the future of NASCAR?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with fellow NASCAR fans!

What strategic element proved most critical for Kyle Larson’s success in the 2023 Championship race at Phoenix?

The Championship Four Contenders

The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway boiled down to a thrilling showdown between four drivers: chase Briscoe, William Byron, denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson. each driver brought a unique skillset and season-long performance to the table, making the championship battle incredibly unpredictable. Understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and paths to the final four is crucial for analyzing how the championship unfolded. This article dives deep into each contender’s 2023 season, their performance at Phoenix, and the key factors that ultimately decided the NASCAR champion.

Chase Briscoe: The Underdog Story

Briscoe entered the Championship Four as arguably the biggest surprise. Driving the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford, his 2023 season wasn’t without its struggles, including a points penalty earlier in the year. However, a clutch win at Texas Motor Speedway secured his spot in the playoffs and, ultimately, the Championship Four.

* Strengths: Briscoe demonstrated remarkable resilience and a knack for performing well under pressure. His Texas win proved his ability to capitalize on opportunities.

* Weaknesses: Consistency was a major issue for Briscoe throughout the regular season. He lacked the consistent top-10 finishes of his championship rivals.

* Phoenix Performance: Briscoe struggled at Phoenix,finishing 27th and failing to contend for the win. His lack of experiance at the track compared to Hamlin and Larson proved detrimental.

* Key Stats: 1 win, 8 top-10 finishes, 1 pole.

William Byron: The Regular Season Dominator

William Byron, piloting the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, enjoyed a dominant regular season, leading the series in wins (6) and stage wins. He was the clear favorite heading into the playoffs. However, his playoff performance was less spectacular, relying heavily on consistency rather then race wins.

* Strengths: Byron’s speed and ability to consistently run at the front of the field were undeniable. His crew chief,rudy Fugle,consistently made smart strategy calls.

* Weaknesses: Byron sometimes struggled with maintaining composure under pressure, leading to costly mistakes. His playoff performance lacked the dominance of the regular season.

* Phoenix Performance: Byron finished 12th at Phoenix, a disappointing result considering his regular season performance. He lacked the late-race speed needed to challenge for the championship.

* Key Stats: 6 wins, 20 top-10 finishes, 4 poles.

Denny Hamlin: The Veteran’s Pursuit

Denny hamlin, driving the no. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, was on a mission in 2023. Still seeking his first NASCAR Cup Series championship,Hamlin had a strong regular season and carried that momentum into the playoffs. He secured his Championship Four berth with a win at Martinsville Speedway.

* Strengths: Hamlin’s experience and racecraft were invaluable. He’s a master of short-track racing, a crucial asset at Phoenix. His ability to manage tires and make smart decisions in traffic is second to none.

* Weaknesses: Hamlin’s aggressive driving style sometimes led to on-track incidents. He occasionally struggled with consistency,particularly on intermediate tracks.

* Phoenix Performance: Hamlin finished 2nd at Phoenix, narrowly missing out on the championship. He demonstrated unbelievable speed and strategy but ultimately fell short.

* key Stats: 3 wins,14 top-10 finishes,2 poles.

Kyle Larson: The Championship Favorite Realized

Kyle Larson, in the No. 5 hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, was widely considered the pre-race favorite. The 2021 champion entered the Championship Four with a reputation for being one of the most talented drivers in NASCAR history. He secured his spot with a dominant win at Las Vegas.

* Strengths: Larson’s versatility and ability to adapt to any track type are unmatched.He’s a fearless racer with exceptional car control. His ability to make fast adjustments during a race is a importent advantage.

* Weaknesses: Larson occasionally struggled with consistency, particularly early in the season. He sometimes took unneeded risks, leading to on-track incidents.

* Phoenix Performance: Larson ultimately won the championship at Phoenix, showcasing his dominance and securing his second NASCAR Cup Series title. He led a significant portion of the race and controlled the championship outcome.

* Key Stats: 4 wins, 13 top-10 finishes, 1 pole.

The Decisive Race at Phoenix: A Breakdown

the 2023 Championship race at Phoenix was a strategic battle. Tire management, pit stops, and track position were all critical factors. Larson’s team executed flawlessly, providing him with the necessary adjustments and pit strategy to maintain the lead. Hamlin pushed hard, but ultimately couldn’t overcome Larson’s pace. Byron and Briscoe struggled to find the speed needed to contend for the win.

Key Moments:

1. Early Race Strategy: teams focused on conserving tires, anticipating a long run to the finish.

2